Today House Republicans filed the first five bills of the 2013 session.

“House Republicans are not wasting any time getting to work on behalf of Iowa taxpayers,” said House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake). “This is merely the start of our efforts to put the taxpayers first and move our state forward.”

House File 1 –Removes the current cap on the Taxpayers’ Trust Fund and allows the entire ending balance to be transferred to the fund. Additionally, it provides for an Iowa Taxpayers’ Trust Fund tax credit, taking the overpayment of taxes and sending it back to Iowans.

House File 2—Provides property tax relief to all classes of property by increasing the state aid portion of the school foundation formula from 87.5 percent to 100 percent over a five year period.

House Joint Resolution 1 – Constitutionally protects Iowa’s Right to Work law.

House File 3—Gives Iowans an option when paying their income taxes, either the current system or a 4.5 percent flat tax with zero deductions.

House Joint Resolution 2—Constitutional amendment to protect the 99 percent spending limitation, require bonding be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature, and require the Legislature to approve any tax increase by a 60 percent vote of each house.

“Republicans are serious about returning the overpayment of tax dollars to Iowans, offering meaningful and long term tax relief and fostering growth in Iowa’s economy,” said House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha).